Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned Imran Khan’s statement that “Pakistan will break into three parts”, saying the PTI chief was making naked threats against the country.

“While I am in Turkey inking agreements, Imran Niazi is making naked threats against the country. If at all any proof was needed that Niazi is unfit for public office, his latest interview suffices,” the prime minister tweeted.

He warned Khan “not to cross limits and talk about division of Pakistan”.

Former president Asif Ali Zardari also condemned Khan’s statement, saying these kind of words could only be used by “Modi and not a Pakistani”.

He directed party workers to protest against PTI chairperson’s statement.

In an interview to Bol News programme Tajzia on Wednesday, ex-PM Imran Khan said Pakistan would break in three parts, if the establishment did not take right decision.

The situation is leading the country towards “bankruptcy” and it will ultimately “affect the Pakistan Army,” he said.

Talking about the upcoming protest of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Khan said it is the Supreme Court’s responsibility to “protect the fundamental rights of poeple”.

In these trying times, “Pakistanis were looking towards establishment and the apex court” and would see the stance of these institutions.

He said the PTI would announce the date of protest to Islamabad after the Supreme Court’s ruling on a petition filed by the party to “protect their right to protest”.

Khan said his party would not return to the National Assembly and would not accept the imported government as it would be a betrayal to the country.

Responding to a question on negotiations with the government officials on the May 25 protest of the party, Khan said: “We are open to negotiations with the government after it announces date of general elections.”

‘Our govt was weak’

The PTI chairperson said he did not have complete powers while he was serving as prime minister of the country as the government was dependent on coalition partners.

“Our government was weak. Everybody knows where the actual power lies,” said Khan, without explaining to whom he was referring to. “We had to rely on them.”